Things to do in York with kids
There are fantastic things to do in York with kids no matter what your kids’ ages or interests.
I’m raising my three kids here so I’ve explored York with babies, toddlers, kids and now teenagers. I know the best places to visit for every age.
I will share our favourite places to visit and fun things to do in this article to help you plan your perfect trip to York with kids.
For a compact city, York is packed with exciting and interesting activities, plus it is small enough to explore on foot. Parents will also be happy to know there are lots of budget family attractions in York.
For affordable and easy family days out York has a lot to offer.
30 best things to do in York with kids
1. Explore York Minster
The largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe may not initially seem like a child friendly attraction in York. However, it has a lot to offer families.
Kids can borrow free Little Explorer backpacks to explore the cathedral. Each bag contains an activity trails, a torch, magnifying glass and mirror (useful for looking at the ceiling).
Plus, every Saturday at 11 am, there is a 45 minute guided tour specially for children. Our kids loved it and were captivated for the entire tour.
In good weather, adults and kids over 8 years can climb the 275 steps of the Minster’s central tower for a bird’s eye view of York city centre. The views were spectacular.
Furthermore, up to four children under 17 enter York Minster for free with each paying adult. This makes it one of the most cost effective things to do in York for families.
You can read my full guide to visiting York Minster with kids here.
Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 9.30 am to 4 pm, Sunday 12.45 pm to 3.15 pm. Sightseeing is not possible during services.
Cost – £16 adults. Tower tickets are an additional £6 per adult or child.
👉 Local tip – Visit the York Minster website and download one of its free trails in advance of your visit.
2. Walk York city walls
York’s medieval city walls are the longest city walls in England. A full circuit of the walls takes around 2 hours but families with kids can do as much or as little of the walls as you like.
York city walls are one of the best free things to do in York and can be entered and exited by any of the four medieval gateways, called ‘bars’.
The best bar to visit with kids is Monk Bar. It is a 14th century, four storey fortress with a narrow stone entrance way. You can see its portcullis, medieval arrow slits and murder holes.
There are steps to access the walls and steps along the route so the walls are not suitable for pushchairs. Plus, most of the walls are not fenced in on the city side so you will need to keep children close.
Opening hours – Everyday from dawn till dusk. Note that the walls are closed in icy weather.
👉 Local tip – If you only have time for a short section of the walls, walk from Monk Bar to Bootham Bar. It winds behind York Minster and I think its the most scenic part of the walls.
3. The Shambles
If your kids are Harry Potter fans, The Shambles is a must visit.
This narrow, cobbled shopping street is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies. The medieval era street is lined with lopsided, overhanging wooden buildings many of which were butchers shops in medieval times.
Look closely and you can still see the wooden ledges and meat hooks on the shop fronts where the butchers displayed their meat.
Due to its links with the movie franchise, there are several Harry Potter themed shops along The Shambles.
👉 Local tip – The Shambles gets very busy at weekends and in school holidays. Visit as early as you can to avoid ‘the Shambles shuffle’!
4. Climb Clifford’s Tower
Do your kids like knights and castles? Then one of the best things to do in York ENgland with kids is a trip to the recently renovated Clifford’s Tower should be on your York itinerary.
This iconic York landmark is remains of a Norman keep and sits on an artificial hill in York city centre. Exhibits inside the tower explain what life was like in Norman times. Kids can dress up as Normans and play Norman era games.
Plus, you can climb to the rooftop for a fantastic 360 degree view of York.
Due to the steep stairs to reach the entrance of Clifford’s Tower, this is not a suitable attractions for pushchairs or toddlers.
Opening hours – Everyday from 10 am to 4 pm in winter and till 5 pm in summer.
Cost – Adults £8.50 | Child 4-17 £4.50 | Family of four £13.00 | Family of five £21.50
5. Jorvik Viking Centre
The popular Jorvik Viking Centre (Jorvik for short) is one of the best museums in York for kids.
It is a small, entertaining museum displaying Viking artefacts found during a four year dig on this site. One of its most famous exhibits is a fossilised human poo!
Kids will learn how the Vikings lived and died in York plus see the remains of Viking streets and homes beneath the glass floor of the museum.
The highlight of Jorvik is an historical ‘cab’ ride through a life size Viking settlement complete with sounds and smells. Kids will love it and I guarantee they will remember how Vikings went to the toilet long after your visit!
Opening hours – Everyday from 9 am to 5 pm (10 am to 4 pm in winter).
Cost – Adults £15.00 | Child 5 – 16 £10.50 | Under 5’s are free | Family of four £45.00 | Family of five £49.50
Alternatively, you can buy a combined ticket to Jorvik and Barley Hall, or a Pastport which includes entry to Barley Hall, Jorvik and DIG.
👉 Local tip – Jorvik is busy all year round with large queues forming in peak season. Booking in advance is essential.
6. Barley Hall
On one of the snickets (alleyways) behind Stonegate you will find Barley Hall, a timber framed medieval townhouse built in the 14th century.
It was only discovered during renovation work on another building in the 1980’s.
Today it is an engaging and colourful museum about life in medieval York. Its highlight is a recreated banqueting hall.
Opening hours – Everyday. Seasonal hours apply so check here in advance of your visit.
Cost – Adult £8.75 | Child 5-16 £4.95 | Family of four £23.00 | Family of five £27.50.
Alternatively, you can buy a combined ticket to Barley Hall and Jorvik or a Pastport which includes entry to Barley Hall, Jorvik and DIG.
7. DIG
DIG is an interactive archaeology museum aimed at families with younger children.
Visit is by guided tour during which you will learn about (and handle) artefacts found during digs in York.
At the end of the tour, kids are let loose to dig for their own artefacts in the museums’ specially constructed indoor dig pits (sand and shingle, no mud). Kids love it and adults will get to have a short rest.
Opening hours – Everyday. Seasonal hours apply so check here in advance of your visit.
Cost – Adult £9.00 | Child 3 – 16 £8.25 | Under 3’s free | Family of four £28.50 | Family of five £33.00
8. York Castle Museum
Your family day out in York should include York Castle Museum because it has something for all ages.
It charts the history of York through the ages including exhibits on the World Wars and the Swinging 60’s. Kids will love the Toy Stories gallery and parents can spot their childhood home in the ‘living rooms through the years’ section.
My favourite part is Kirkgate, a full size replica of a Victorian street. Kids enter the shops, schoolroom and police station to meet the people who ‘live’ there.
There is also a chilling Victorian prison section (the highwayman Dick Turpin was imprisoned here). You can enter the eerie prison cells to meet historical hologram characters who will tell you about their real life prison experience.
Opening hours – Everyday 10 am to 5 pm.
Cost – Adults £16 | Child 5-16 £9.75 | Under 5’s free. You can buy cheaper tickets online in advance here.
9. The National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum (NRM for short) is one of our favourite free museums in York. We visit with our train mad son several times a year and I always find something new to see on each trip.
There are two huge halls packed with gleaming engines and carriages, an active restorers workshop and a viewing platform for trains arriving into York rail station. You can view carriages from the Royal train, an enormous cross section of the Channel Tunnel and sit in the only Shinkansen carriage outside Japan.
Kids will enjoy a ride on the miniature railway, the playground and the free science shows held throughout the day (if you want to see Barbie shot out of a cannon, don’t miss this show!)
The NRM also has a new interactive zone for kids, ‘Wonderlab’, which features 18 hands on challenges and experiments.
For a whole day free family day out in York, visit the NRM.
Opening hours – Everyday 10 am to 5 pm.
Cost – £7.20 per person for Wonderlab. The NRM is free.
10. York Art Gallery
Don’t be afraid to bring kids to York Art Gallery. We’ve visited many times and have always been welcomed.
The free to enter gallery has clearly labelled ‘touch’ and ‘no touch’ exhibits and there are activity corners in each room filled with drawing pads and pens for kids to use.
Plus, there are family oriented drop in art workshops at weekends and during the school holidays.
Opening hours – Wednesday – Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
👉 Local tip – Don’t miss a walk through the unusual Edible Wood behind the gallery which I think is one of York’s hidden gems.
11. The Roman Baths
This quirky attraction is often overlooked by visitors to York. It is a small set of Roman bath ruins which sit in the basement of a pub called, of course, The Roman Baths.
In the basement of the pub, you can see the 2000 year old remains of a Roman bathhouse. You can view the Trepidarium (warm room), the Caldarium (hot steam room) and Frigidarium (cold room). It is a small and cramped site but visits are short and well worth it.
Opening hours – Monday – Thursday 12pm to 5 pm, Friday – Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.
Cost – Adults £3.50
12. York Chocolate Story
York has a long history of chocolate making (the Yorkie Bar and infamous Chocolate Orange were made here).
Families can learn about the history of chocolate making in York with an entertaining 1.5 hour guided tour at York Chocolate Story. The tour is child friendly, includes several free treats and ends with a chocolate making demonstration. You can also make your own chocolate lollipop to take away.
Our kids love York Chocolate Story so I know yours will too.
Opening hours – Everyday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Cost – Adult £17.50 | Child 4-15 £15.00 | Under 4’s free | Family of four £62.00 | Family of five £74.00
13. The Yorkshire Museum
One of the best things to do in York for kids interested in hisotry is the The Yorkshire Museum in Museum Gardens is the best place to learn about York’s Roman history.
Kids can dress up as Romans, try Roman games and see a range of artefacts found in Yorkshire. There is also a fantastic dinosaur section where you can view fossils and skeletons found on Yorkshire’s Jurassic coastline.
Opening hours – Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Cost – Adult £9.50 | Child 5-16 £4.75 | Under 5’s free. Cheaper tickets are available online in advance.
14. Museum Gardens
Museum Gardens is a pretty landscaped park in the heart of York city centre. It is perfect for a picnic, a run around or for people watching.
In addition to the Yorkshire Museum, the gardens are home to the 15th century Hospitium, the 13th century remains of St Mary’s Abbey as well as the 3rd century Roman era Multiangular Tower.
In the middles of the gardens is a tiny 19th century observatory, the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire.
Families can download a free Squirrel Trail to explore Museum Gardens’ main attractions.
Opening hours – Everyday from dawn till dusk.
15. Fairfax House
York city centre has several historic houses you can visit but I think one of the best for kids is the Georgian townhouse, Fairfax House.
Kids will enjoy the lavishly recreated dining room, drawing room and bedrooms but the highlight is the basement kitchen. There is a year round trail kids can follow to spot hidden animals in the rooms. Plus, during school holidays, kids can dress up as Georgians and try Georgian era games.
This is another of the cost effective places to visit in York with kids as children under 16 are free with a paying adult.
Opening hours – Everyday 10.30 am to 4. 30 pm.
Cost – Adults £9
16. York Dungeons
York Dungeons is a fun (and in my opinion educational) attraction depicting York’s gruesome past. However, it is not for the faint hearted, claustrophobic or for very young children. Over 8 years is the recommended age and under 5’s are not allowed.
You will meet characters from York’s past who will tell you their gruesome, tragic stories. You will also learn a lot about York’s harsh penal history.
Visit is by guided tour only and visitors should expect the unexpected…
Opening hours – Everyday. Seasonal and weekend hours apply so check here in advance of your visit.
Cost – Adults and children £21. Walk-in tickets are more expensive so book online in advance if possible.
17. Join a family friendly tour of York
The easiest – and best – way to get around my city is on foot so you will find walking tours in York to suit all ages and budgets.
I think the best child friendly tour in York is the award winning Wizard Walk of York. Aimed at children aged 5 – 10 years, the 1 hour tour is packed with magic and jokes. It is often fully booked so make sure you book your ticket in advance.
Opening hours – Tours run every weekend with seasonal mid week hours at either 1.30 pm or 4 pm. Check times (and book) here.
Cost – Adults and children £9 per person.
18. Brave a spooky ghost tour
York is allegedly the U.K’s most haunted city so after dark, there are several entertaining ghost tours you can join.
Each tour is led by a costumed actor who will lead you to different haunted locations around the city. They are storytelling tours, not theatrical shows so don’t expect additional actors leaping out of the dark.
As ghost tours are generally 2 hours long and involve a lot of walking, they are best suited to older children.
You can find my round up of the best ghost tours in York here.
19. Indulge in a sweet treat
York is packed with high quality bakeries, cafes and restaurants so there are lots of sweet treats to choose from.
Betty’s Tea Rooms is over 100 years old and is much loved by us Yorkies. It is ideal for a treat or special occasion. I recommend trying a Fat Rascal, Betty’s signature currant and cherry bun.
Alternatively, try some ginger Yorkshire Parkin cake from any of the city bakeries.
If you visit York in summer, stop off at the Two Hoots ice cream boat on the River Ouse just outside Museum Gardens. Their ice cream is some of the best in York.
Alternatively, if you’re visiting York in winter, treat yourself to a delicious hot chocolate at Cocoa Joe’s on Museum Street. They will let you try the different chocolate drops so you can choose which flavour hot chocolate you want.
Spending Christmas in York? Don’t miss a yummy hot chocolate stacked with marshmallows from Thor’s Tipi in Museum Gardens.
20. Follow a free self guided trail
There are also a few child friendly, free, self guided walking trails around York.
In addition to the Squirrel Trail in Museum Gardens, follow the Cat Trail around the city centre.
Pick up a free map from The Cat Gallery on Low Petergate or download a free map here. Then find 20 cat sculptures ‘hidden’ on city centre buildings; some of the sculptures date back over 100 years. The trail takes around 1 hour to complete.
21. Cruise the Ouse
The River Ouse flows through York city centre. Its paved, leafy riverbank paths are popular with York residents all year round.
Families can take a short 45 minute sightseeing cruise on the river with City Boat Cruises. The trip has full commentary and the boats offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
City Cruises also offer evening cruises, fish and chip or picnic cruises. Plus, if you are in York at Christmas, you can join a festive cruise to meet Santa.
Opening hours – Boats depart everyday from King’s Staith Landing at 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm.
Boats depart from Lendal Bridge Landing at 10:40 am, 12:10 pm, 1:40 pm and 3:10 pm.
Cost – Adult £13 | Child 5 – 16 £7.50 | Under 5’s free. Seasonal and special cruise costs vary.
22. Self cruise on the Ouse
You can also hire your own boat and drive your family up and down the Ouse.
Known to Yorkies as ‘the little red boats’, the boats don’t travel very fast, are easy to drive and take a maximum of 8 passengers. Life jackets are provided for children. However, the boats have low sides so hold onto toddlers and young children.
Note – the boats are small and if you are tall you will find it difficult to squeeze into the drivers seat. My husband did!
You can read my essential guide to hiring a little red boat here.
Opening hours – Every day from mid February to mid November. Pre- booking advised.
Cost – Hire prices start at £35 for one hour hire.
23. Play in Rowntree Park
If you want a break from the busy city centre, walk for 10 minutes along to Ouse to reach Rowntree Park.
This popular park has an enclosed playground for older kids, a playground for younger kids, a pond, reading cafe, tennis and basketball courts and skateboard ramps. There is lots of open spaces for a picnic or run around.
Opening hours – Everyday from 8 am till dusk. Note that the park is closed when river levels are high.
24. Hole in the Wand
If you’re wondering what to do in York with kids on a rainy day, visit the Hole In The Wand.
This magical themed crazy golf course is in the heart of the city centre in Coppergate. It offers 9 themed holes with bubbling cauldrons and magical portals. Each child completing the course receives a magic potion gift to take home.
Entrance fees include a potion drink. Our kids loved it and it is a prefect location if you get a rainy day in York.
Minimum age is 3 years old and the maximum group size is six wizards.
Opening hours – Everyday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Cost – Adults and children £6.99 per person.
25. The Potions Cauldron
This magic themed shop on The Shambles sells an array of themed soft and alcoholic drinks. It also offers 25 minute potions experience for families.
You will learn the history of the world’s ‘most magical drinks emporium’, whilst wizards mix you a magical drink of your choice.
The Cauldron Experience takes place in a ‘Secret Potion Room’; you should expect some magical surprises along the way.
It’s lots of fun, short and suitable for all ages.
Opening hours – Monday – Friday 10 am to 5pm, Saturday 9.30 am to 7 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.
Cost – Adults and children £5.99 per person. Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited. The shop is free to enter.
26. York Cocoa Works
If you’d like to have a go at making your own chocolate but don’t want to visit York Chocolate Story, go to York Cocoa House. In addition to an excellent shop and cafe, there is the York Cocoa Works which offers short and long chocolate making workshops.
Families can pre book a short, 35 minute ‘make your own lollipop’ for kids. Trust me, the chocolate here is divine. Pre-booking online in advance is advised.
Opening hours – Everyday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm.
Cost – Adults and children £4.50 per person.
27. Enjoy street entertainment
York is fortunate to have thriving and diverse street entertainment ranging from magicians to opera singers to bands.
The best place to see musical acts is on St. Helen’s Square and on Parliament Street. You will often see my personal favourite, The Hyde Family Jam here.
For magicians, escapologists and more, head to King’s Square outside York Chocolate Story.
These talented artists perform for free but make their living through busking and entertaining weary shoppers and tourists. Please give what you can to support them and keep them in York!
Seasonal things to do in York with kids
28. York Maze
If you’re looking for one of the best family days out in York, check out York Maze, the largest maze in the U.K. It sits in a suburb of York, a short bus ride or drive from the city centre.
Each year, the over 1 million maize plants are grown to form a different maze shape, which from the air creates a picture. Past pictures have included Harry Potter and a dinosaur. Trying to find your way out of the maze is fun for all ages.
In addition to the maze, there is a jumping pillow and over 20 fun fair rides and shows to enjoy. Activities include a climbing wall, tractor rides and a playground so there is something for everyone. York Maze is one of the best days out for kids York has to offer.
Opening hours – Everyday from mid July to September from 10 am to 6.30 pm. Check seasonal opening hours here before visiting.
Cost – 2024 ticket prices coming soon.
29. Yorkshire Winter Wonderland
If you’re visiting York in winter, take a trip to MacArthur Glen shopping centre on the outskirts of the city. Each winter, its huge car park hosts a winter wonderland consisting of an ice rink, Santa’s grotto, a pop up Alpine cafe and funfair rides.
The ice rink is the largest in the north of England and boasts a 30 ft high Christmas tree which looks amazing when lit up at night.
Young children can join parent and child session during the quieter daytime hours. Novice skaters can borrow penguin shaped stabilisers to help them skate.
You can combine your visit with a trip to the shopping centre which has designer outlets, an outdoor playground and a large food court.
Opening hours – Everyday from mid November to early January.
Costs – Prices vary according the the day and time of your visit. Check time and book online here before visiting.
30. Attend a family friendly festival in York
York is a city of festivals and there will be an event happening in whichever season you choose to visit.
You can choose between the Ice Festival in February, the rousing Viking Festival (also in February) or the Hot Air Balloon Festival in September.
Alternatively, visit York during Bloom – a flower festival in June or for the Food and Drink Festival in September. If you like walking trails, visit York for the Ghost Trail in October or during the Nutcracker Trail in December.
All the city’s festivals are free to attend so festivals are some of the best, and most affordable, family days out York has to offer.
In conclusion, York is a lively, friendly and fascinating city. There are lots of fun, unique and quirky things to do in York with kids that adults will also enjoy. Plus, with so many cheap or free things to do, families can visit York on a budget.
Come and discover the best things to do in York for yourself! days out with kids York
